Lucknow

Lucknow is known for its Imambaras, mosques and tombs, with hundreds of domes and series of arches and towering minarets, that still retain the royal splendor of the eras gone by. Lucknow is regaled in the romance of the stories of bloody cockfights and endless chess games. Lucknow is felt through the elaborate gateways that lead to intricate bye-lanes, where Lucknow lives. The informal chowks fork into narrow shaded galis lined with intimate houses with wooden louvers, arcaded verandahs and wrought iron railings. These streets smell of freshly made kebabs, sheermaals, biriyani and the atmosphere is sweetened with the aroma of the mithai. The small-roomed houses are busy with the artisans working day and night on the looms that are embellished with gold and silver zardozi, kaamdani, aari or tupka. Lucknow breathes through the white chikankari that comes out of hours and hours of tired eyes that needle abstract stitches on fine muslin or chiffon. Today, Lucknow gasps through the traffic fumes, mesh of cables stretched across its skyline and is desperately trying to retain its charm in spite of the ugly concrete structures mushrooming everywhere. This series is an ode to the Lucknow heritage and its architectural beauty.